Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Covered Under Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is quite common in a number of occupations. Fortunately, carpal tunnel is covered under Illinois’ workers’ compensation law, meaning sufferers may be eligible for benefits. Some of the professions that most commonly lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Manufacturing

Construction

Healthcare

Office workers

Factory workers

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition wherein the median nerve — which runs from the forearm to the palm — is compressed. This nerve controls finger and thumb movement, in addition to sensations in the palm of the hand. Those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome experience some or all of the following symptoms:

Burning, itching, tingling, and/or numbness in the palms and fingers

A sensation of having swollen fingers, even when the fingers are not swollen

A feeling of stiffness in in the fingers upon waking up

Decreased strength in the hand

Decreased ability to grip

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually develops gradually, and can be the result of a number of factors, mostly involving continual repetitive movements. The majority of instances of carpal tunnel syndrome are related to typing on keyboards. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also occur from a single traumatic event.

The Law in Illinois

As carpal tunnel syndrome can adversely affect an employee’s ability to perform his or her job, which can lead to the inability to work, the employer may be liable to provide workers’ compensation benefits. While employees may have intrinsic risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome — such as smoking, obesity, or diabetes — the employee is likely still eligible for benefits as long as work is a causative factor of the condition.

Since it typically sets in gradually, those seeking to collect workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome in Illinois are sometimes unclear on when exactly they are eligible for benefits or how to initiate a claim. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side.

Contact Rubens Kress and Mulholland

The attorneys here at Rubens Kress and Mulholland have extensive experience in this area, and have helped many carpal tunnel sufferers collect workers’ compensation benefits. If you want more information, contact us online or by phone at (312) 201-9640. You can also reach us toll-free at (866) 890-9640. There is no fee unless you collect, so you can be confident that you’ll have a winning team working for you.